I remembering shuddering slightly as I first watched leather leggings strut down the runways of Autumn/Winter 08. I prayed and crossed my fingers they would never catch on. And then, as I caught the first foray of celebs sporting a pair, I felt my heart sink a little.

Would I have to come clean and admit I quite fancied a pair?

Cheryl Cole, Rhianna, Kate Moss, Lindsay Lohan and of course the Olsens have all gone for it. Is this because they lack in those vital thigh and ass inches or just because they carry them off with confidence? Probably a bit of both, which surely gives me no hope.

Evidently best worn with a simple long top and a killer pair of this seasons must have gladiator sandals, I think a few of us mere mortals may have a shot at carrying the leather lovelies off.

I’ve had a scout around for a pair that are , dare i say, subtle?! Not too PVC-like, not too clingy. As expected, American Appareland TopShop hit the mark. TopShop selling glossy leggings£20, and wetlook leggings £18. And American Apparel reliably producing their version of shiny leggings at £31. Personally, I’m not prepared to spend this much on a trend that will be forgotten by Summer.

And then before I knew what I was doing, I was typing ‘leather leggings’ into my trusted friend ebay. I can always rely on my favourite site to help me out, and it did. I found the perfect pair of Subtle leather leggings for only £5 (including postage).

And they look good! Or so my boyfriend says….But thats good enough for me.